MSA FireHawk M7, Operation And Instructions Manual

Page: 37 / 56

REMOVING THE AIR MASK
belt buckle release button IN.
8. Disconnect the chest strap buckle (if used).
9. To loosen the shoulder straps, grasp the pull tabs and
push them out and away from the body.
10. Slip the right arm out of the shoulder strap first, then
remove the harness.
NOTE: Be sure to replace the cylinder with a fully charged
one. Complete Inspection and Cleaning and Disinfecting
Procedures outlined in this manual. Ensure that the com-
plete SCBA is clean and dry. Ensure that facepiece head
harness straps and harness adjustment straps are fully
extended. Place the complete air mask in the storage
case or suitable storage location so that it can be easily
reached for emergency use. (See storage instructions.)
CHANGING THE CYLINDER
DO NOT drop the cylinder or bump the cylinder valve
knob. An unsecured cylinder can become an airborne
projectile under its own pressure if the valve is opened
even slightly. Failure to follow this warning can result
in serious personal injury or death.
1. Ensure there is no pressure in the system before
replacing a cylinder.
2. Close the cylinder valve.
3. Turn the Firehawk Regulator bypass counter-clockwise
until air no longer discharges from the regulator.
4. Close the bypass by turning the knob clockwise.
5. Disconnect the Audi-
Larm Alarm coupling
nut.
6. Lift and turn the latch wing to loosen the cylinder
clamp.
7. Slide the empty cylinder out of the carrier and install a
fully charged cylinder. Be sure that the adjustable
cylinder band and latch is in the proper slot before
inserting a new cylinder.
8. Slide the fully charged cylinder into the carrier, with
gauge facing out. Turn the latch wing clockwise 180
degrees until it stops. Fold the latch wing toward
backplate, locking latch wing in place.
NOTE: Be sure to completely tighten the latch wing each
time a cylinder is installed.
9. To check that the cylinder is secure, place one hand on
the backplate and grasp the cylinder valve with the
other hand. Try to pull the cylinder and valve down and
out away from the carrier. Make sure that the band and
latch holds the cylinder securely in the carrier.
NOTE: If the cylinder feels loose, remove the cylinder and
check that the latch engages with the proper slot on the
band. Re-install the cylinder and ensure that the latch
wing is fully tightened and flipped over. Do not use the air
mask if the cylinder is not held securely in the carrier.
10. Before installing the Audi-Larm Alarm, check that the
o-ring inside the Audi-Larm Alarm coupling nut is pre-
sent and free of damage. If the o-ring is damaged, it
must be replaced before the alarm is used.
11. Thread the Audi-Larm
Alarm coupling nut on
to the cylinder valve
thread form and hand-
tighten (no tools).
CHARGING CYLINDERS
A lightweight SCBA cylinder can become airborne solely
under the thrust of air from an inadvertedly opened cylin-
der valve. If a cylinder is removed from a horizontal shelf
by grasping the handwheel, the weight of the cylinder can
cause the cylinder to rotate downward causing the valve
to open slightly.
• Never carry a cylinder by the handwheel.
• Avoid dropping the cylinder or bumping the hand-
wheel.
• Use the handwheel only to open and close the
cylinder valve.
A valve could partially open causing the cylinder to
become an airborne projectile under its own pressure
and result in serious personal injury or death.
1. Remove from service if cylinder shows evidence of
exposure to high heat or flame: e.g., paint turned
to a brown or black color, decals charred or miss-
37 TAL 1705 (L) Rev. 18 - 10082858